The Citadel proud to host CNN Democratic presidential debate

The Citadel is proud to be the host site for the July 23 Democratic presidential debate in Charleston.

The debate, which will be broadcast live on CNN in partnership with YouTube, is an unique educational opportunity for the college, its faculty and staff and for cadets and graduate students.

“We are proud that CNN and the Democratic Party have selected The Citadel to host the July presidential debate,” said Citadel President Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa. “In addition to its educational value, this debate is a great opportunity to get national exposure and to play a role in our electoral process."

“It is fitting that this presidential debate will take place on a campus with a strong tradition of military service,” Rosa said. “Generations of Citadel alumni have fought to preserve the free exchange of ideas that this debate represents.”

McAlister Field House and The Citadel campus will be transformed the week of the debate, which is expected to draw hundreds of national and international members of the press to Charleston and The Citadel campus to cover the debate.

The Citadel is no stranger to the national television spotlight or visits by leading political figures. In 2002 the campus hosted MSNBC and Chris Matthews for the Hardball College Tour. In addition The Citadel has hosted numerous national and world leaders at speaking events and commencements. Three months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, President George W. Bush delivered a major terrorism strategy speech on The Citadel campus.

Among the many others in politics and government who have visited are Rudy Giuliani (2007), Mitt Romney (2006), Sen. John Kerrey (2005), Sen. Lindsey Graham (2004), John McCain (2002), Patrick Buchanan (1995 and 1999), Robert Dole (1994), Ronald Reagan (1993), Dick Cheney (1990), Henry Kissinger (1986) and former President George H.W. Bush (1977). Among Democrats, Congressman Jim Clyburn and Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, Citadel Class of 1942, and the late Sen. Strom Thurmond visited The Citadel on more than one occasion over the years.